BREAKING NEWS: UC Santa Barbara has just announced that Michael Henchy will be the new head coach for the Women’s Volleyball team, a move that promises to elevate the program’s legacy. Kelly Barsky, UCSB Athletics Director, confirmed this development earlier today, marking a pivotal moment for the Gauchos.
Henchy, who joins UCSB after a remarkable tenure at Penn State University, where he was part of the coaching staff that led the Nittany Lions to the 2024 National Championship, expressed his excitement: “I am thrilled and honored to become the next head coach for UCSB women’s volleyball,” he stated. His connection to UCSB runs deep, as he hails from Ventura, California, and sees this role as a homecoming.
During his stint at Penn State, Henchy contributed to an impressive 35-2 season and helped coach several standout players, including the 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. His coaching expertise helped the team maintain a 54-15 record and achieve NCAA tournament appearances in 2025. Henchy’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and championship mentality to the Gauchos.
The announcement comes at a crucial time as the UCSB volleyball program aims to build on the foundation laid by former coaches Kathy Gregory, Nicole Lantagne Welch, and Matt Jones. With Henchy at the helm, fans and players alike are eager to see how he will honor the program’s rich history while steering it toward future successes.
In his previous role as Associate Head Coach at James Madison University, Henchy helped guide the Dukes to Sun Belt Conference championships and national tournament appearances in both 2022 and 2023. His proven track record in developing talent will be key as he transitions to UCSB, a program that has a strong tradition of excellence.
Henchy’s journey in collegiate volleyball began at American University, where he played a vital role in leading the Eagles to the 2019 Patriot League title. He also made his mark as a graduate assistant coach at Springfield College, earning recognition as the 2019 AVCA Men’s Div. III National Assistant Coach of the Year.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Henchy is eager to engage with UCSB’s players, alumni, and community, emphasizing a collaborative approach towards achieving championship-level volleyball. “I am excited to meet our players, alumni, and community and begin to pursue championship-level volleyball together. Go Gauchos!” he added.
The Gauchos community is buzzing with anticipation for Henchy’s inaugural season and the fresh energy he brings to the program. With his extensive experience and deep ties to the area, Henchy’s appointment is expected to resonate positively among fans and stakeholders.
Stay tuned as this story develops and watch for updates on Henchy’s plans as he prepares to lead the UCSB women’s volleyball team into a new era of competition.
